1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS

Summary:

A fun, good-looking worth while car

Faults:

The only thing wrong is that top. The side bars bent and it costs around $790 to have fixed by the dealer- I am going to attempt it myself. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THESE PARTS?? If so, littlestarlake@yahoo.com.

General Comments:

I had a 1996 Jeep Grand CHerokee Limited and loved it. It had everything, roof, leather, v8, etc. I also think that buying American is what Americans should do. But this Eclipse SPyder was owned by a teacher of mine (she bought it new) and so I figured she already gave her money and now whoever gets it "used", she just gets it. But when I am older, out of college, I know I will only buy American. I love Jeeps...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th July, 2003

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Spyder 2.4

Summary:

A mistake to buy

Faults:

The top leaks any time there is anything more than light rain. I had the top replaced recently because it wouldn't open all the way and the roof material was falling down, but it still leaks.

The car started shaking at all speeds. I've brought it in 3 times to have it repaired to no avail.

The transmission started slipping at about 50,000 miles, especially from 2nd to 3rd gear.

General Comments:

I love having a convertible, but buying this car was a huge mistake.

The spyder is a bit underpowered at about 140-145 HP.

The plastic parts in the interior have a tendency to chip off.

I haven't had any problems with the engine yet, but in a car with only 51,000 miles that isn't surprising.

The rear visibility is just about the worst I've ever seen on a convertible, although that problem is rectified by simply dropping the top.

The wind noise and rattling aren't excessive, but the engine noise is much louder than it should be for such a small engine.

I can't believe that a 'sports car' like this would have rear drum brakes.

I love the looks and profile of the car, red is definitely her color.

The size of the car is a definite plus. I like the closeness of the cockpit and I have no use for a backseat anyway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2003

7th Jul 2003, 13:23

I own a '97 spyder eclipse GS and have had no problems with it at all. This car is the best car that I have ever owned.

18th Nov 2003, 14:42

Transmission went on my '97 Spyder at about 50k miles. Repair shop used non-mitsu parts to repair it because they were more dependable ($1500). I have it serviced by the dealership at all suggested intervals. It's possible that the previous owner abused it and I'm paying for it now.

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 4 cylinder

Summary:

Great car for the money that will definitely last

Faults:

The car is really low so the bumper is scratched. I also have my check engine light on, the the seat adjuster has also broken. Other than that the car has tons of pickup and I haven't had any problems out of them. This is my second Eclipse, the first one I totaled, and it kept me really safe. It did more damage to the SUV than what was done to my car.

General Comments:

I love the car. It's really sporty and cute. This car is definitely not made for others to ride in, just mainly the driver. I also wish it had more cup holders. The car does extremely well for its 4 cylinders.

My only gripe is the turning radius is horrible. Its very tight and hard to make turns for such a small car. I have learned that my dad's car (a Gallant) is the same way. It seems like it's just Mitsubishi's in general.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2003

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Spyder 4G63 2.0 turbo

Summary:

4 cylinders are faster than 8. Drive it and see

Faults:

Only things that I have had go wrong were the stereo has so so reception. The door and rear speakers although made by Infinity were of poor quality. The CD changer in the trunk doesn't work. And the spark plug wires were upgraded to 8.5 mm @ 90K due to wear.

General Comments:

I have had many turbo charged cars. Including a previous Crystler product (Dodge Daytona Shelby Turbo Z). This car kicks... It takes better to upgrades than any car I've ever had. Minor upgrades give you massive power. And although the turbo is smaller than a first generation Eclipse. The little T25 has no problems propelling the heavier convertible to 60 MPH in 5.2 seconds, and it does the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds. No signs of Crankwalk here. Just the wind in my hair...Spyderman.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2003

27th May 2004, 07:22

I agree it's a great car, I have a '99 gs-t spyder, however; the car does not go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds it does it in 6.4 seconds (stock), and its quarter mile is 13.9 seconds (stock).

29th Jun 2005, 18:20

If you read the orginal post clearly you would have seen it had modifacations.

30th May 2006, 16:48

Only AWD eclipse/talons can break 13s stock, the fwd cannot and especially in those heavy-ass drop tops.

9th Nov 2006, 01:32

Your CD changer will work if you disconnect the battery for 45 minutes and plug in the battery again. It worked for me.